Brighton Recreation Area

Brighton Recreation Area provides a combination of high, irregular ranges of hills, interspersed with a number of attractive lakes. The area has several miles of trails available for equestrian riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Also the home of the Brighton Rec Area Riding Stable.

Activities:

Boat Rental: Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and rowboats are available for rent. Rentals are available from May through September by calling the park at 810-229-6566.

Cross Country Ski: All trails are open to cross country skiing, however they are not groomed.

Disc Golf

Equestrian:

Brighton Recreation Area offers 19 miles of equestrian trails, a riding stable, rustic camping and a staging area. The riding stable is operated by Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables and offers rentals, ADA-accessible amenities, riding lessons and guided trail rides.

Fishing:
Shore fishing is available at all lakes where launches are located. An ADA fishing pier is accessible from the boat launch at Bishop Lake.

Hiking: Two trails are designed to make the remote areas of the park more accessible for visitors.

Hunting: Wildlife is abundant in the park and hunting is allowed during legal seasons.

Mountain Biking: Two mountain biking trails accommodate beginning and advanced riders.

Paddling

Pet-Friendly Area: There is a pet-friendly section of shoreline available on Chilson Pond. For more information, please contact the park. Pets must be on a six foot leash and under an owner's immediate control at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

Swimming: Bishop Lake beach has been totally remodeled and is now universally accessible. Features include a beach house, beach area, picnic shelters and a sand volleyball court. Vending machines are available at the beach house.

Watchable Wildlife: Bird watching is a popular recreation activity at the park.

Winter Camping

Campgrounds

Brighton Appleton Lake-Rustic
Brighton Bishop Lake-Modern
Brighton Murray Lake-Rustic
Brighton-Equestrian
Brighton-Group Use Area
Brighton-Rustic Cabins

Trails

Brighton-Bishop Lake Hiking Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

Brighton-Equestrian Trail
Trail Length: 18.00 (Miles)

Brighton-Kahchin Trail
Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)

Brighton-Murray Lake Trail
Trail Length: 3.40 (Miles)

Brighton-Penosha Trail
Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)

Brighton-Torn Shirt Mountain Bike Trail
Trail Length: 6.00 (Miles)

Facilities:

Beach

Equestrian Camping: Experienced riders can bring their own horse and ride 19 miles of beautiful trails that traverse hills, meadows, hardwoods, evergreens wetlands, lake and streams. The park also boasts other equestrian-friendly amenities, including a large equestrian staging area, a picnic shelter, an electric well and a 17-site rustic equestrian campground. The campground allows visitors to spend extra time exploring the park on horseback and experiencing a night outdoors.

Picnic Area: Two picnic areas, one at Bishop Lake which is ADA accessible and one at Chilson Pond. Vending machines are located near the restroom facilities. Picnic tables and fire pits/grills.

Playground: There are swing sets at both of the picnic areas.